Whether you're downsizing, remodeling your home, or just want to free up some space, a storage unit offers you a convenient and safe place to keep your belongings. However, while it can house most items—ranging from furniture to lawn equipment—there are a few exceptions to what can be kept there. The guide below takes a closer look at these restrictions.

What to Avoid Putting in Storage

1. Food 

Keeping perishable items in storage is a recipe for disaster, capable of producing an unpleasant smell in your unit. However, even canned or boxed items can attract pests and insects. This can risk the well-being of your belongings, as well as those of other renters.

2. Medicine

Some drugs need to be refrigerated, while others require low humidity. Therefore, you should always check the manufacturer's recommended storage conditions to preserve its effectiveness and safety.  

3. Dirty Laundry 

Make sure that all the clothes you put in storage are clean. Bacteria and germs can breed on dirty laundry, making them smell worse over time. In some cases, the odor can permeate to nearby items.

4. Flammable Chemicals

Keeping flammable chemicals in storage units is prohibited as these pose health and safety risks. Aside from fuels and acids, household items such as pesticides and certain types of cleaners also need to be kept out of storage facilities.

5. Donateable Items

If you’re in a crunch for space, it can be tempting to take items to a storage unit and forget about them. However, if you really have no plans to use that particular piece again, there is no point in holding on to it. Sort your belongings beforehand—making piles for those you’d rather sell or donate.

When residents around Texarkana, TX, need long-term and short-term storage units, they turn to Affordable Lock Box. Since 2000, they have been providing clients with secure and affordable storage facilities that come in 19 different locker sizes. They also offer U-Haul® truck rentals, making your move a lot easier. Call (870) 773-7606 to talk to them about your storage needs. You can also visit their website for answers to frequently asked questions about their services.